OXNARD, Calif. -– The best thing going for free agent wide receiver Sam Hurd may be his new friend.

Hurd, an undrafted rookie from Northern Illinois, has worked closely with Terrell Owens during minicamp. It’s not unheard of for talented players to have their friends make the team, if for no other reason than they have a constant ally in the locker room.

Hurd, who played at San Antonio Brackenridge High School, spent an extra 20 or so minutes running routes and catching passes from Owens after practice on Thursday afternoon.

“There are some things he wants to work on. Obviously, he’s struggled with some things,” Owens said. “Today he had a deep ball, (and) he said he couldn’t get to it. He was running wildly trying to track the ball. (I am) trying to get him focused on the ball instead of losing your composure and rhythm.”
The Cowboys like Hurd, especially for his 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame.

At Northern Illinois, he ranked second in career receiving yards and third in touchdowns and tied for fifth receptions.

He is expected to compete for a backup receiving job, as well as for time on special teams. But having Owens as a friend and on-the-job instructor may help him the inside track against the likes of Miles Austin, J.R. Tolver, Jamaica Rector and others.

“If you look at his size, he has great hands,” Owens said. “He’s been making some plays throughout camp. The up-side and potential is there.” -- Mac Engel